The history of Switzerland, it is that of Swiss, 23 cantons and a country for which the need does not fit in the geography; consequently, it is that of people which had to forge a historical tradition and to create values: participative democracy, pluralism and capacity of integration. The resources, at the beginning, are limited; the Swiss people had to base his prosperity on an assiduous and precise work, a company spirit and a continuous exchange.

At the same time located in the middle of Europe and insulated by its particularisms; Switzerland which gave and at the same time received, emigrated and accommodated immigrants, offered a refuge to foreigners and let leave those his which felt to choke; who is given in example and refuses to align himself.

- 40 ' 000 to 1291
The glaciers move back, the men of the Neolithic era invent agriculture, the Celts wander and settle, the Romans conquer and colonize, the country know the barbarian company, the feudal hierarchy and see being profiled monarchies.

1291 to 1515
Rural communities and urban republics organize, defend their freedoms, become conquering and run up against more extremely than they; monks copy, of the cathedrals rise, the peasants clear, the middle-class men trade.

1515 to 1798
Religious division weakens alliances, the aristocrats paralyze the political evolution, the soldiers knock about the world abroad, the cities become affluent, the campaigns cover residences, the scientists make their correspondence.

1798 to 1848
The Revolution cuts down the old structures and brings the foreign domination, but carries the germs of a revival which results in seeking and finally to find balance between tradition and modernism.

1848 to 2003
Peace reigns in the middle of ravaged Europe on several occasions, the richness crowns work and the technical successes, the stagnation of the spirits threatens in a world in change, the country is questioned at the point to hesitate between two slogans: “To believe and create” or “Switzerland does not exist”.